Building your own dog kennel is easy and can help save you hundreds of dollars compared to buying from a custom builder. All you need are basic woodwork tools (listed below), and lumbers plus rebar from your local hardware store. Before you start, determine the best kennel size best fit for your dogs and your living space. The medium double dog kennel measures 6’L x 2’W x 27 1/2″H, with interior headroom of 24″. This is the DIY plans for medium dog kennel designed to house two medium sized dogs (30-50lbs), if you have larger dogs, check out the Large Double Dog Kennel Plans.
Get the complete Medium Dog Kennel plan – Instant PDF download 8.5″ x 11″
PDF includes the cut list, additional diagrams and dimensions, complete step-by-step DIY instructions.
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Free DIY plans for a Medium Double Dog Kennel:
Material and Cut List
(A) 2 – 2×4 Lumber: 6′-0″
(B) 3 – 2×4 Lumber: 17″
(C) 2 – 1×3 Lumber: 5′-10″
(D) 11 – 1×3 Lumber: 19 1/2″
(E) 6 – 1×3 Lumber: 20 1/2″
(F) 3 – 1×6 Lumber: 5′-10″
(F) 1 – 1×10 Lumber (ripped down to 10″): 5′-10″
(G) 4 – 1×3 Lumber: 16 1/4″
(H) 4 – 1×3 Lumber: 14 1/2″
(I) 6 – 1×6 Lumber: 33 7/8″
(I) 2 – 1×6 Lumber (ripped down to 4″): 33 7/8″
(J) 2 – 2×10 Lumber: 6′-0″
(J) 1 – 2×6 Lumber: 6′-0″
15 – 3/8″ Diameter Rebar: 21 1/2″
6 – 3/8″ Diameter Rebar: 16 1/2″
Rust-Oleum Epoxy Metal Paint
HARDWARE
– (4) 3″ T-Hinge Hardware
– (4) 3″ Barrel Bolts
– 1 1/4″ Pocket Screws
– 2 1/2″ Pocket Screws
– 3/8″ Dowels
PROJECT TOOLS
– Tape Measure
– Pocket-hole Jig
– Cordless Drill
– Miter Saw / Circular Saw
– Sandpaper or Sand Block
– Refer to the woodworking tool guide for more information
Step 1
Cut the 2×4 lumbers per cut list dimensions. The bottom frame is made from two 6’-0” 2×4’s and three 17” 2×4’s. Arrange the 2×4’s per layout below. You can use wood glue to assemble each lumber first. Then, drill pocket-holes and use 2 1/2” size screws to secure in place.
All vertical panels will sit directly on top of the bottom frame, with 1” offset from the perimeter edges. Finish building all the panels first before screwing them into the bottom frame, to ensure all the panels fit in place properly. Drill pocket-holes in the 1×3 panels and use 1 1/4” screws to secure to the bottom 2×4 frame.
Step 2
Next, cut 1×3 lumbers per cut list for the front facing panel. You will need two 5’-10” 1×3’s, five 19 1/2” 1×3’s, and six 21 1/2” rebars. Drill dual pocket-holes on both ends of the 19 1/2” 1×3’s. Only screw into the bottom 5’-10” lumber first. Then, drill 3/8” diameter holes (1” depth) into both the top and bottom lumber to fit the rebar.
Before installing the metal rebars in place, you will need to prepare and paint them to avoid rusting. The best type of pet-friendly paint for metal is the Rust-Oleum Specialty Epoxy Spray Paint, which is ideal for refinishing metal surfaces and provide a durable finish. Don’t worry, this process is simple! First, clean the metal rebars of any dirt or rust, then spray two coats of the epoxy paint directly onto the rebars. Allow 2-4 hours to complete dry before installing them on the kennel doors.
Insert the 3/8” rebars into the holes. Finally, add the top lumber and secure it in place with 1 1/4” pocket screws.
Step 3
Next, cut 1×3 lumbers per cut list for the side panels. You will need two 20 1/2” 1×3’s, two 19 1/2” 1×3’s, and three 21 1/2” rebars, per panel. Total of three side panels. Drill dual pocket-holes on both ends of the 19 1/2” 1×3’s. Only screw into the bottom lumber first.
Step 4
The dog kennel’s floor will be made from two identical panels. Cut the 1×6’s to size per cut list, you’ll need to rip down two 1×6’s to 4″. Drill pocket-holes and secure each lumber in place with 1 1/4” screws. Insert both floor panels on top of the bottom frame.
The back panel is made up of three 5’-10” 1×6’s and a single 5′-10” x 8” piece. Drill pocket holes per location indicated below, then glue and secure in place with 1 1/4” screws. You can also use other lumber sizes to build this 5′-10” x 24 1/2” back panel.
Step 5
Next, cut 1×3 lumbers per cut list for the door panels. You will need two 16 1/4” 1×3’s, two 14 1/2” 1×3’s, and three 16 1/2” rebars, per door. Two sets of doors total. Similar to the previous panels, drill dual pocket-holes on both ends of the 14 1/2” 1×3’s. Only screw into the bottom lumber first, and insert rebar per diagram below.
Attach the doors with 3″ T-Hinge Hardware on top and bottom hinge location. Then, install 3″ Barrel Bolts to complete the doors. I found both of these hardware that fits the dimensions on Amazon, links below for reference:
3″ T-Hinge Hardware: https://amzn.to/3KjrpsJ
3″ Barrel Bolts: https://amzn.to/3TcPpBR
Step 6
Finally, cut two 2×10’s, and a 2×6 to 6’-0”, for the kennel’s table top piece. Drill pocket-holes as indicated in the layout below, then use 2 1/2” screws to secure in place. Pocket-hole side will face the bottom side. You can also construct the table top using other lumber sizes, as long as the overall dimensions are the same.
Now the kennel is complete, sand and clean off the surface dusts to prepare for staining or painting.
Need another kennel size? Check out my shop for more kennel design and sizes. The full PDF plans include the full materials list, cut list, complete dimensions, 2D/3D diagrams, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Thank you for your support!
